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Originally founded as the Rhombohedron Club in 1903, Beta Chapter has had a very interesting and influential history
Click the video above to watch an in depth recap celebrating 100 years of Theta Tau at Michigan Tech, hosted by Brother Jim Mitchell
1903 - Founding of the Rhombohedron Club
Here is the a photo of the current building at 1301 Ruby Street in Houghton, Michigan, the location that was believed to have been occupied by the Rhombohedrons
In 1903 at the Michigan College of Mines, the Rhombohedron Club was formed by Brother Gabe Bishop, Brother Albrecht Hasselbring, and Brother Charles Kumke. The Club found residence at the old Martin boarding house near campus, in the possession of Brother McCormick, before moving to the Pryor House on Ruby Street in Houghton. In a few short years, the membership of the Club grew with strong men of great character such as Brother Hopkins and Brother Downing.
1904 - Founding of the Society of Hammer and Tongs
Theta Tau was founded as the "Society of Hammer and Tongs," on October 15, 1904, by Erich Julius Schrader, Elwin Leroy Vinal, William Murray Lewis, and Isaac Baker Hanks, mining engineering students at the University of Minnesota. They agreed that character qualifications should have top priority in membership selection. Its principal founder, Erich Schrader, wanted to establish a professional engineering fraternity similar to those already existing in law, medicine, and dentistry.
The original badge of Beta Chapter Chartering Member R. B. Phillips
1906 - Founding of Beta Chapter
In the Summer of 1905, Founder Hanks spent his summer in Houghton where he met and befriended Brother Robert Downing, member of the Rhombohedron Club. Founder Hanks informed him of the Society of Hammer and Tongs, as it was known at that time. Following this summer, correspondence between the Rhombohedron Club and the Society of Hammer and Tongs led to an invitation to join the Society as Beta Chapter. Ultimately this invitation was accepted and Brother Hanks and Brother Andrews traveled to Minnesota where they were initiated into the Fraternity. Upon their return to Houghton, they initiated the rest of the Rhombohedron Club members and as of March 26th, 1906, Beta Chapter was officially formed.
1911 - First National Convention
The current flag of the Fraternity featuring the Greek letters Theta and Tau
In 1911, representatives of Alpha, Beta, and Gamma chapters as well as the alumni associations gathered at the University of Minnesota for the first National Convention. The most important event at this convention was the name change from 'The Society of Hammer and Tongs' to 'Theta Tau'.
1913 - Second National Convention Hosted By Beta Chapter
In 1913, the Second National Convention was held in Houghton, Michigan and was hosted by Beta Chapter. This convention designated The Gear of Theta Tau as it's national magazine which had been previously published by Beta Chapter with Brother Herman H. Hopkins, a member of the Rhombohedron Club who was initiated in as an alumnus. Brother Hopkins also held the positions of Grand Scribe and Grand Regent in the national fraternity.
1928 - The First Fire at Theta Tau
In 1928, the first clubhouse of Beta Chapter succumbed to a fire.
1933 - Beta Chapter of Theta Tau Corporation is Formed
In 1933, Leo Duggan, the Dean of Students at Michigan Tech, founded the Beta Chapter of Theta Tau Corporation to help maintain a chapter house for the members of Beta Chapter. A house was purchased at 1405 College Avenue, where at present the Michigan Tech Administrations Building stands.
The Beta Chapter Clubhouse at 1405 College Avenue, Houghton, Michigan
1962 - The Second Fire at Theta Tau
The 1405 Colllege Avenue Chapter House in flames
On April 5th, 1962, disaster struck the H&T's living at 1405 College Avenue. A fire broke out in the early morning hours which resulted in a complete loss of the house. Fortunately, the University and other Fraternities provided clothes and shelter for the displaced men. While waiting for what would happen next, most of the men resided in the Douglass Houghton House in downtown Houghton.
1963 - Moving to Anchor Hill
After the Clubhouse fire, which resulted in a total loss of the house, Beta Chapter moved into the former Thornton Residence known as Anchor Hill about five miles south of Campus. Built by James Dee, this house has a strong tie to the local community as well as Beta Chapter.
The Chapter House at Anchor Hill
2014 - Moving to Fairview Street
The Chapter House at 407 Fairview Street
As Anchor Hill got older, it was decided it was time to move closer to campus. With many alumni donations and lots of planning, a new Chapter House was constructed at 407 Fairview Street in Houghton, Michigan. This house is the newest Chapter House out of all the Michigan Tech Greek Life organizations. We take pride in keeping it clean and having it as a headquarters for our Chapter activities.
Present Day - Our Continued Mission
As we reach 115 years of continuous chartering as Beta Chapter of Theta Tau Fraternity, our mission has never faltered. To create a strong brotherhood, to promote our profession, and to serve our communities.
A wall in the Chapter House displaying different awards and recognitions
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